Motor-Driven Trailer Coupling Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer couplings experience increased wear and require frequent re-clocking of the drive to maintain the working position of the coupling arm, leading to stress on the drive and connected components due to forces from acceleration, cornering, or deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A trailer coupling with a movable locking element that secures the coupling arm in the working position, reducing the force applied to the drive and preventing the coupling arm from becoming loose, by absorbing forces and acting as a 'force diversion' to eliminate the need for re-clocking, and is integrated into the actuating mechanism to save space and reduce installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive is periodically activated to maintain the working position of the coupling arm, then the coupling arm remains in the working position, but the drive and associated components are subject to increased stress and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: the drive mechanism for positioning and the locking element for maintaining position. The locking element segments the force transmission path, allowing the drive to only provide positioning forces while the locking element handles the holding forces, thereby reducing stress on the drive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the coupling arm and the drive mechanism. It intercepts and redirects forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the drive, serving as a force diversion that protects the drive from excessive stress and wear.
2Area of stationary object
If the locking element is integrated into the actuating mechanism, then space is saved and installation costs are reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is merged with the actuating mechanism by integrating it into the lever system. The locking element is formed as part of the lever structure, combining the actuating function and the locking function into a single integrated component, which saves space and reduces the number of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for moving the coupling arm and as the carrier for the locking element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 3e~3h
AI summary
Trailer coupling for vehicles with a movable coupling arm 03, which is movable with at least one drive 02 between a working position 23 and a rest position 21, wherein a locking element 11, which holds the coupling arm 03 in the working position 23 such that when forces are applied to the coupling arm 03, the transmission of force into at least one drive 02 is at least reduced.